This weekend, get your fill of art in all its forms — visual, performance, film and audio. Get a jump on updating your art collection with MCAD’s annual Art Sale, kicking off Thursday night. On Thursday, the Walker hosts the opening for Album: Cinémathèque Tangier, a project by Yto Barrada featuring music by DJ /rupture, an installation/performance by J. Morgan Puett & Lucky Dragons, and Jérôme Bel/Theater HORA: Disabled Theater (running through Saturday). The MIA hosts its monthly edition of Third Thursday complete with the kickoff of its holiday popup shop with Northern Grade Market and an MAEP artist talk. And over at the Weinstein Gallery, Minneapolis artist Ruben Nusz opens his ambitious solo exhibition.

Read on for more art, music, performance and nightlife!

xo, l’étoile

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23

MCAD Art Sale

@ Minneapolis College of Art & Design
2501 Stevens Ave
Minneapolis

Thurs 6-9 pm ($150), Friday 6-9 pm ($25), Saturday 9 am-5 pm (Free)

Contrary to popular belief, the holiday shopping season opener is not, in fact, Black Friday…it’s MCAD Art Sale Weekend! The massive annual showcase/sale is a fantastic place to stock up on original artwork and prints by emerging student artists and established MCAD alums alike. Of course, we tend to think art is the best gift you could possibly give to others…or yourself. Traversing the colorful, hallowed halls of one of the country’s top art schools while competitive art shopping is a sport in itself–a sport hundreds of collectors clamor to participate in each year. See paintings, illustration, photography, sculpture, prints and more, of all skill levels, styles and price points. Drop $10 on a screen printed piece or $1,000 on a large-scale oil painting…the MCAD art world is your oyster. -Staff

Yto Barrada, a Moroccan-born artist who now lives and works in both NYC and her hometown of Tangier, has put together an exhibition of gathered film, artwork, and artifacts which help illustrate her hometown and the social and political issues it has faced. In 2006, Barrada renovated a 1930s-era movie palace into an independent cinema, which she dubbed Cinémathèque de Tanger, to serve as a cultural hub and a venue to discover new and old film and filmmaking of the region. Sculptures, dioramas, short film, and much more are included to depict Morocco’s undeniably distinctive people and their artistic culture. To kick off the exhibition, a combination of North African film and music will be celebrated in the Burnet Gallery at The Walker, and happily on one of the Target-sponsored Free Thursday Nights. The artist is joined by New York-based artist DJ /rupture — given name Jace Clayton — who has released several acclaimed albums as a DJ as well as as a digital artist and has worked largely in Morocco. You can expect unique music, short film, and a cash bar. -Alicia Neubauer

Artist J. Morgan Puett is known for the experiment in artistic living that is Mildred’s Lane. A rustic, 96-acre site deep in the woods of rural northeastern Pennsylvania, that functions as an ongoing collaboration between Puett, Mark Dion, their son and their friends and colleagues and is both their home and an experimental art project. Mildred’s Lane is built around working-living-researching strategy developed to foster engagement with every aspect of life. Puett brings a slice of this homespun universe to the Walker in a performance meant to compliment the ongoing exhibit Fritz Haeg: At Home in the City. For this event, she creates an installation on the centerpiece crocheted rug featured in the Medtronic Gallery. Joining her in the performance are experimental music duo Lucky Dragons, who enliven the gallery with a participatory style of music that focuses on the interconnectedness of humans and technology. In addition to this performance on Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th, artist-in-residence Fritz Haeg concludes his project At Home in the City with a marathon series of conversations with local and visiting collaborators. You can check out the full schedule of planned conversations HERE. -Anthony Enright

Known for his conceptual take on dance and choreography, Frenchman Jérôme Bel’s brand of minimalistic non-dance has turned heads in the choreographic world – and established him as one of the more politically innovative artists of his generation. His latest project, Disabled Theater, continues along this path, pushing the boundaries of movement and representation even further. Disabled Theater was created in partnership with a Swiss company comprised of disabled actors, Theater HORA, and their refreshing take on performance, discrimination and identity lend Bel’s aesthetic a new significance. While the piece received critical praise in Europe, it also sparked debates around disability rights and tokenism. Bel and Theater HORA’s performance will run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Walker this weekend so you have the opportunity to see this critically acclaimed piece and decide what its political implications are for yourself. -Lizzy Shramko

For the third year in a row, Third Thursday will team up with AIGA MN for a night of incredible art and design. AIGA is comprised of graphic designers, as well as professionals in fields such as printing, prepress, photography, illustration, paper manufacturing/distribution, and writing, so their night will surely be a sight to behold. Guests will be able to take part in the (Re)design Awards Show pop-up, and also make their own recycled art books with Minnesota Center for Book Arts. A couple of artist talks will also be happening on Thursday, with presentations on Sarah Burns: Midday, a sculptural exhibition, and Andy Sturdevant’s Allley Atlas, an open-source project on urban design and personal history, taking place in the galleries. If that’s not enough, the NorthernGrade is also having their launch party at the MIA (the run will continue through January 3). The popular traveling menswear pop-up market features fine American-manufactured goods and lovely limited-edition products. There will also be shopping-and-art-perusing music courtesy of up-and-coming R&B collab Psymun and K.Raydio. –Maggie LaMaack

Ready to be entertained in ways you never knew existed and at levels that are almost certainly illegal in seventy-seven Minnesota counties (not Ramsey though, so phew!)? That’s right it’s Wits season again and we could not be more excited for another action packed set of the live public radio show that mixes improv, sketch comedy, conversation, music and social media for an intoxicating and heady experience. This week’s Wits showcases well-known stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan (whose observational humor has made him a household name) and the hyper-literate and eccentric rapper Busdriver (who memorably guests on the recent P.O.S. album). These two may seem like a very odd couple, but as we’ve written before when it comes to Wits the strangest bedfellows often make the most memorable shows. Plenty of people must agree with us as the show has been sold out for weeks. As per our usual advice if you don’t already have tickets start hitting up season-ticket holding friends today and try to wrangle your way into the Fitz for this one. -Anthony Enright

Norwegian retro-soul singer/multi-instrumentalist Bernhoft will bring his one-man-band to the Dakota this weekend. Still touring on the release of his sophomore album Solidarity Breaks, which he released in early 2011, Bernhoft’s R&B and soul sounds are presented in a way that reproduces the sound, feel and energy of a complete band. The man is pretty good at what he does — he even nabbed the Best Artist and Best Male Artist of the Year awards at the 2012 Spellemannprisen, which are the equivalent to the Grammys in Norway! –Maggie LaMaack

For everyone who’s knowledge of Canadian rappers begins and ends with Drake, you need to check Vancouver-based MC, Shad. Rwandan-descended, Kenyan-born and Canadian-bred, Shad is representative of the growing internationalism of our Northern neighbor. With beachy guitar riffs and energetic horn sections, dude’s musical references are as eclectic as his lyrics are political. Think Vampire Weekend’s forefather Paul Simon mixed with the lyrical stylings of M.I.A. One track off his latest LP, Flying Colours, “Fam Jam (Fe Sum Immigrins)”, speaks to the divisions and xenophobia that Canadian immigrants face on the daily – something that reflects Shad’s willingness to be both personal and political. He has even gone as far as incorporating his mom’s poetry into his lyrics. This Thursday Shad will be accompanied by fellow British Columbians, We Are the City and local MC, Rapper Hooks at 7th Street. While Flying Colors is Shad’s fourth studio release, he is a relative newcomer to the US music scene, so don’t be surprised if he makes it onto some of the Best New artist lists by the end of the year. -Lizzy Shramko

It’s another great all-vinyl DJ night at Clubhouse Jäger on Thursday with Wasted Past DJs Ron Wade, Sarah Touchstone, James Leonard, Patrick Liens and special guest Aaron Porter, who specialize in old rock and roll and early soul records from the ’50s and ’60s, plus R&B, soul, popcorn and raunchy beat rockers. Wasted Past focuses on playing music that is more about the roots of rock ‘n’ roll and soul than its later incarnations — music you’ve never heard that sounds very familiar at the same time. This Thursday, the night throws its third anniversary party, with special guest DJ Rambo Salinas — who has one of the best record collections around. Anyone into oldies and our rock and roll, rockabilly or soul will definitely appreciate this event and probably learn a thing or two. Drink specials include Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin beers for $3.50 a pour, plus prizes and the new Gals Of Wasted Past Vol. 2 CD will be available for sale. -Danielle Morris

What better way to work off that gravy than dancing to Missy Ellliot? On Thanksgiving eve, Flip Phone, the monthly dance party dedicated to all things glorious from 1996-2006, presents MissyGiving: A Tribute to Missy Elliot. Worried about commiting to an evening out when you’re already destined to the spend the night wearing stretchy-waist pants? Pay no mind. Remember, Missy is the woman who introduced herself to the world by dancing around in an inflated trash bag in the Hype Williams-directed music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” She also rocks a comfy tracksuit like nobody’s business. Missy won’t judge you if you show up in a sweatsuit and orthopedic sneakers, as long as you put your thang down, flip it, and reverse it. Missy loves you no matter what you look like, and that’s something for which we can all be thankful. -Beth Hammarlund

Late Night Fridays: 8 pm Fridays through December 13
Closing Party December 20 / All Events Are Free

In its third exhibition, innovative artspace Public Functionary seeks to expand upon its previous programming of nationally recognized artists with a flair for spectacle. Their newest exhibition, Buy Now, Cry Later featuring Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist Patrick Martinez, opens this Friday. Known for his signature neon light sculptures, Martinez also combines the craft of still-life paintings and art-minded cultural criticism to reflect an encompassing glow of multiculturalism, inner-city life, violence and consumerism on the viewer. While Martinez has received national critical acclaim for past exhibitions, expect a completely new experience from the Public Functionary team, who have made a goal of adaptability and unique presentation in their programming for each artist. Describing the themes examined in Buy Now, Cry Later, curator Tricia Khutoretsky says, “All of these issues weigh the same when it comes to societal problems in dire need of solving; all are symbols that point to a troubled collective culture – a melting pot identity in crisis. -Nathaniel Smith

PF TAKEOVER FRIDAYS: The first PF TAKEOVER will be an end of year celebration for Face Forward, as an opportunity to cross the communities of Face Forward and Public Functionary within a music and art environment. The night includes performances by New Heist, DJ Frank Castle, Shahar Eberzon, Da Black Pearll, Ashe Allan, Mathias Hertel, Alma Andina, Dem Atlas, Bomba Umoya and Afrogasmic, as well as a panel on “Art for Social Change” with Face Forward artists. Click HERE for the full lineup and times.

There are very few local artists (that haven’t moved away from the Twin Cities) whose work possesses both the conceptual strength and technical abilities that Ruben Nusz balances so easily. In the past year, Nusz has taken full advantage of his McKnight Fellowship award, honing in on some rather heady themes that typically result in work which is almost embarrassingly good. Culminating in Nusz’s solo exhibition, Severed Hues presents a suite of eighteen paintings and several preparatory drawings which finds the artist attempting to separate colors from our accepted meanings of them. Citing examples such as inverting color photographs (where the opposite of pink is turquoise for example), Nusz offers a different theory than the typical color wheel or complimentary color charts. Experimenting with composition, color value and illusionistic techniques, expect to see an exhibition which is both visually remarkable, and theoretically dense. -Nathaniel Smith

There’s a lot going on here, so bear with us: art, live music, Brit’s famous Freddie, and beer by Iron Maiden. Take heed, Anglophiles: if you’re looking to be immersed in some serious British culture, get over to Brit’s this Friday. A collection of paintings by British-born local artist Louisa Greenstock will be on display at Brit’s up in their impressive Clubhouse. Along with the art — which includes portraits of David Bowie, The Beatles and, of course, The Clash — you can catch the sounds of Britpop and British rock from Hammer Trio + Inga, in addition to Brit’s legend Freddie Manton hopping in on drums for a handful of songs, from 8 to 10 pm. And as for beer: did you know Iron Maiden has their own brew, because holy shit! Grab yourself some of their Trooper beer, which is brewed by Stockport, England’s Robinson’s Brewery. This all sounds so painfully British in the best possible way, so don’t even think of missing it. Also: all art will be available for purchase! -Alicia Neubauer

Sometimes you just see an event that you have to go to, and this Burlesque Throwdown (put together by Twin Cities burlesque mainstay Nadine DuBois and iconic DJ Shannon Blowtorch) is one of those events. Along with some of the most revered burlesque artists in town (including Mistress Victoria DeVille, Sweetpea, Redbone and Foxy Tann and the Wham Bam Thank You Ma’ams), the evening features a special appearance by Seattle-based boylesque troupe Mod Carousel, known for subverting gender stereotypes in their performances (as witnessed in their gender bent take on “Blurred Lines,” which became an internet sensation). Get ready for one of the hottest nights in town. -Todd O’Dowd

For three decades, Zenon has been one of the standard bearers in modern and jazz dance on the national scene. Armed with some of the best dancers in the city, the Minneapolis-based company has been the darling of critics and choreographers alike (with over 50 world and national premieres to its credit). for the start of their 31st season, the company will take to the stage of the Cowles with an evening featuring a world premiere (Stefanie Batten Bland’s Caught, which includes an on-stage installation of woven white plastic bags), a company premiere (Danny Buraczeski’s acclaimed piece Ezekiel’s Wheel, inspired by the writings of James Baldwin), and one of their best repertory pieces (luciana achugar’s Molten Substance, featuring live percussion performed on stage by J.T. Bates). All in all a perfect evening that shows off what Zenon can do and a great introduction to the company’s aesthetic. -Todd O’Dowd

If your dad wrote the screenplay for Krush Groove, one of the foundational films on hip-hop, you definitely have the bar set high at a young age. It seems that over his life, Left Coaster MC Busdriver, has taken this bar and set it even higher. A rapper, producer and political figure, Regan Farquhar’s politically conscious lyrics spit over art-minded beats were part of the first waves of rap music that were acknowledged and celebrated by the white, sterile world of indie music. A technically phenomenal MC, Busdriver’s production has managed to get more experimental, not more mainstream, over the years. To his credit. Milo, a rapper by night and academic by day, will join Busdriver’s performance at Triple Rock on Friday night, along with fellow Los Angelino, Open Mike Eagle. And finally, Metasota will open for the evening to satiate Minnesotan’s hunger for some local hip hop, and round out a night of bar-raising talent. -Lizzy Shramko

Static doesn’t feel like the kind of breakup album you’d listen to when you’re actually in the act of breaking up. It’s not a cry in your cocktail kind of album, or a lump in your throat kind of album. It’s not even a “revenge is a best dish served cold” kind of album. It’s not in fact a “breakup album” although it is the product of the end of Cult members Madeline Folin and Brian Oblivion’s four-year relationship. On the band’s second album, Static, indie mixer Ben Allen (Animal Collective, Deerhunter) and Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells) lend a hand creating an abstract, low-end-heavy production that tessellates between sinisterly sweet and alienating, shoegazy yet doo-wop-inspired and much funkier than their last album. With openers Sacco (NY dark psych rock) and the dreamy synthpop of Mood Rings. -Juleana Enright

People keep calling the Pines music “gothic.” Not in the black-hair-and-eyeliner way, mind, but in the way that evokes rundown grey barns, weathered by rain and age, bleak landscapes in Kansas, decaying churches, and that middle-America spookiness that has been the fodder for tons of moody country and folk music since time immemorial. It’s a pretty apt description — there’s a haunting beauty to their keyboard-laden acoustic guitar strummers, delivered in a hushed whisper more often than not, never really getting much above the volume of a deeply-exhaled breath. It’s quite damn interesting stuff — the keyboards and wiggly guitar textures add a layer that most country lacks. Dave Simonett of Current faves Trampled by Turtles opens on Friday, so there’s that too. -Jon Hunt

Web of Sunsets apparently plays “acid country,” which automatically makes us prick up our years. Theirs is a dreamy psychedelic sound that sounds like it dropped right down from the clouds. Be sure to check out this band now — they’re going to be huge by the end of the year, if their Pitchfork spotlight (before the band ever played a live show, even) is any indication. Friday night, the up-and-coming trio featuring members Gospel Gossip, Heavy Deeds and Robust Worlds top a psychedelic lineup at the Turf that also features Prissy Clerks (2012 Best New Band winners by Vita.mn & City Pages) and Magic Castles side project Erros Mágicos. -Staff

Saturday at the Nomad celebrates the EP release for the band Teammates. Opening the show is new band Myotis, featuring members of Total Trash and CLAPS. They have a sound that is a perfectly lo-fi take on ’90s garage rock. Also playing is Bollywood, known for their highly visual live show that mixes edited VHS tape footage with their experimental, electronic-meets-psychedelic sound. Teammates, a newer Minneapolis band, headline the night with a danceable indie rock sound with experimental electronic elements. -Danielle Morris

Soul record nights have abounded in the Twin Cities as of late, but Hipshaker is one of the originals. The night, which called Jitters home before heading to its current digs at the Kitty Cat Klub, just celebrated its 11th year with an all-out soul dance party. Tonight as per usual, resident DJs Brian Engel, Greg Waletski and George Rodriguez to spin deep cuts from their crates of rare vinyl 45s. -Staff

The QX Collective is all about collaboration, so blending the worlds of fashion, modeling, photography, design and art should serve as a no-brainer. R E A L / U N R E A L is a collaborative art project between Polaroid specialist SereneSupreme and five Twin Cites models. Based on the resulting photo sets, and the model’s personalities, designer Matt Kamilar and artist Jesse Draxler will each reinterpret the images, creating digital illustrations and collages that take the concept of collaborated images to new levels.

Daily during store hours / Free
(The puppet show, Moose Crossings, has performances Thursday through Sundays November 23-December 22. Tickets are $4 per person. Children under 2 are free.)

Take a child (or your inner one) to the event that truly marks the launch of the Christmas season: Santaland’s opening at Macy’s Downtown Minneapolis. The 8th Floor Auditorium hosts the big jolly and his elves for the time-honored “photo opp” tradition, the annual “A Day in the Life of an Elf” auditorium display. As you wait your turn, be sure to do some planning. You can bet you’ll be confronted with the question: “What’s on your wish list this year?”

A new three-song EP for the acoustic guitar-driven songwriter, a gorgeous thing drenched with strings and piano plucking and Elwell’s hushed, likable voice — wait, was there some kind of thing where all the hushed, moody, heartbreaking country bands got together and decided to play simultaneous shows in the Twin Cities? “Buried” I really like — it reminds me of Nick Drake before depression really knocked him out, when he was still okay with string arrangements and things. And “Kirby Puckett” seems like a sweet and sad bit of nostalgia for childhood, something which I can totally relate to (except the bit about “playing with my wrestlers” — I was more of a Star Wars guy). It’s great songwriting — quite sad, quite pretty. Sparser and less band-driven than his last deal, Brave Soul. -Jon Hunt

Martin Devaney’s excellent House of Rust is — well, it’s liquor-soaked, for one thing. Maybe it’s just ’cause I quit drinking recently (I know, TMI, but it’s relevant) but the first thing I noticed is that virtually every song has a reference to drinkin’ in some way. I like me a little bit of drinking (too much drinking) so I’m all for it — hell, who hasn’t rhapsodized about “Whiskey Kisses” once in a while, and writing about being in your cups is a long-standing, beloved tradition in country music. The second thing I noticed is how excellent a songwriter Devaney is. I’m not sure he’s getting enough props for just being able to craft a well-constructed melody that holds together from top to bottom, which is something a few of his fellow St. Paul country artists lack (too often they rely on people’s love of sloppy rock rather than work hard on their songs — s’true). -Jon Hunt

God, YES. YES YES YES. The Telescopes, if you don’t know, were one of the least-known but most psychedelic and most trippy of the British “shoegaze” wave — they really belonged more to the pre-that noisy drone rock wave that also housed Spacemen 3 and the Jesus and Mary Chain, but why quibble? Their brand of washy guitars and flatly-sung vocals influenced an unbelievable number of bands (including mine, every time I pick up a guitar, basically — their Untitled Second was a staple of my early ’90s listening, and I probably played their magnificent “High On Fire” two thousand times in a few months back in ’93 or so. For a while now, they’ve essentially just been Stephen Lawrie-and-whoever, and for this show he’s chosen to collab with local psych-dream group Flavor Crystals, which makes tons of sense. It’ll be interesting to hear how the Crystals’ guitar wash meshes with Lawrie’s droney attack, and hopefully they dig into his catalog a little bit. -Jon Hunt

I’ve made it pretty clear how I feel about local moody country band (see? all the moody country bands are playing in one night) Fathom Lane — their self-titled second album is a damn marvel, a piece of terrific and subtle psych-and-country-influenced folkrock, ticking all the boxes from the Crosby-led Byrds to Gram Parsons to whoever else that you want them to tick while still maintaining a magnificent sense of melody and some killer man/woman harmonies, which is, you know, great. Just great. By now you’ve heard their single “Sugardown” on the Current — go see ’em live. batteryboy are right in that same wheelhouse — even more hushed and atmospheric, lots of male/female vocal interplay, with violin and keyboard coloring their country-based sound. My favorite of the “moody country band” shows tonight by a long shot. Go check it. -Jon Hunt

When Sue McLean passed away back in May of this year, it left a hole in the heart of the Twin Cities music scene. As the largest independent female music promoter in the world and the guiding voice of the Basilica Block Party, the Music in the Zoo music series, and the O’Shaughnessy’s Women of Substance Series (along with booking artists in every single venue in town), Sue will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and her absolute love for music. This Saturday, friends and family will gather at First Ave. for a one-night-only tribute to the unstoppable Sue (and to benefit the fund set up for her daughter Lilly). Rather than being morose, this is going to be one heck of a party: in addition to being headlined by Eric Hutchinson, Soul Asylum, and Bodeans, the evening will feature performances by X-Boys (Chris Osgood, Dave Ahl, Casey MacPherson, Steve Fjelstad, Max Ray, Rochelle Becker, Hugo Klaers, and Chan Poling), Molly Mayer, Haley Bonar, Rogue Valley, Marc Perlman and Tim O’Reagan of The Jayhawks, The Witnesses, Kevin Bowe, and many more. -Todd O’Dowd

Saturday night at Honey, The Recipe celebrates it’s one year anniversary. Honey Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis has quickly become the go to spot for dancing and carousing. They have some of the best DJs in town throwing parties there every weekend and The Recipe is no exception. Jimmy Two Times of the Get Cryphy crew started the night one year ago, playing fresh hip hop jams and party cuts to keep the dance floor hot. Come down and celebrate. -Danielle Morris

Ready for some pre-Turkey day gastronomic and auditory treats? Head down to the Triple Rock this Sunday for a chance to stretch your mental and gustatory faculties. Surly Brewing Company will be on hand to provide face melting (not literally) local brews and Burch Steak House and Pizza Bar will be on hand presenting tasty morsels for your snacking pleasure. The musical guests promise to be cacophonous and hard charging. We’re gonna hit the ground running with pulsating garage psych-rock from Narco States. Up next are energetic Green Bay punk stalwarts Rev Norb and the Onions. And finally, the night rounds out with teeth rattling rock from the Minneapolis Motorhead, Dumpster Juice. As per usual Clancey’s Meat & Fish will be providing the opportunity to win delectable frozen animal parts in Gastro’s traditional Dead Meat Door Prize. Still the greatest mashup of culinary delights and musical mayhem, Gastro is a blast every time. -Anthony Enright